Union Agriculture Minister interacted with farmers across the country who were present in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in towns and cities across India while launching the "Kisan Bhagidari, Prathmikta Hamari" Campaign under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (25th-30th April 2022).
The goal of the meeting was to make farmers aware of the government of India's flagship schemes and to assess the achievements and benefits that farmers are receiving at the grassroots level.
Agriculture Minister outlined the Prime Minister's vision for the agriculture sector, which is the country's backbone while interacting with farmers. He claimed that Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi is an example of technology-enabled transparency. While states and the federal government provide subsidies, he claims that 'atmanirbharta' is required, which necessitates the adoption of technology, crop diversification, and maintaining quality in the export market.
Farmers should be willing to experiment and change with the times, according to the Minister, including using new varieties of seeds, testing the quality of their soil, joining Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and utilizing technology such as drones. Farmers should also be willing to accept the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana's protection (PMFBY). Natural farming is being promoted, according to the Minister, and ICAR is incorporating it into the curriculum.
KVKs and the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), according to Tomar, are working hard to get developed technologies to farmers. KVKs are agricultural trailblazers, having direct contact with farmers. He estimated that agriculture and allied sector exports would be around four lakh crore rupees in 2021-22.
Farmers have made a significant contribution in this area, which is to be commended. Farmers' tireless hard work, scientists' skill, and the government's farmer-friendly policies are yielding results, and farmers' income is steadily increasing, as revealed during today's inaugural campaign's interaction with farmers present at various KVKs across the country.
Kailash Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, said that during his interactions with farmers across the KVKs, he was pleased to learn that some farmers have more than doubled their income in recent years.
The "Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari" campaign aims to strengthen the agricultural community. Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, launched the campaign. Through fairs held in 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and other agricultural institutions across the country, lakhs of farmers, many MPs and other public representatives, and scientists took part.
Krishi Melas were held at each KVK in association with ATMA as part of the "Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari." There were also awareness programmes on Organic Farming, Natural Farming, Startups, APMCs, e-NAM, and FPOs. Seminars and workshops on horticulture-related topics were also held.
During the inaugural session, Union Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Director General of ICAR Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra shared their perspectives. Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary, presided over the meeting. Ritesh Chauhan, Joint Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks. This campaign involves a number of central ministries.
